Marked by her signature charm, barbed wit, and undeniable power, Rousey’s account of the toughest fights of her life—in and outside the Octagon—reveals the painful loss of her father when she was eight years old, the intensity of her judo training, her battles with love, her meteoric rise to fame, the secret behind her undefeated UFC record, and what it takes to become the toughest woman on Earth. Rousey shares hard-won lessons on how to be the best at what you do, including how to find fulfillment in the sacrifices, how to turn limitations into opportunities, and how to be the best on your worst day.

Packed with raw emotion, drama, and wisdom, this is an unforgettable book by one of the most remarkable women in the world.

Think and act like a Navy SEAL and you can survive anything. You can live scared—or be prepared.

“We never thought it would happen to us.” From random shootings to deadly wildfires to terrorist attacks, the reality is that modern life is unpredictable and dangerous. Don’t live in fear or rely on luck. Learn the SEAL mindset: Be prepared, feel confident, step up, and know exactly how to survive any life-threatening situation.

Former Navy SEAL and preeminent American survivalist Cade Courtley delivers step-by-step instructions anyone can master in this illustrated, user-friendly guide. You’ll learn to think like a SEAL and how to:

UFC fighter, Georges “Rush” St. Pierre, shares the lessons he learned on his way to the top, in The Way of the Fight, revealing how he overcame bullying and injury to become an internationally celebrated athlete and champion.

The reigning UFC welterweight champion, St. Pierre seemed untouchable until injury derailed him and jeopardized his title and his career. Determined to make his comeback, he embarked on a careful regimen of physical therapy. He also used this healing period to assess his life, where he's been, what he's achieved, where he wants to go, and and lessons that helped shape who he is.

In The Way of the Fight, Canadian championship fighter St. Pierre invites fans into the circle of his life, sharing his most closely guarded memories. A compelling memoir that offers an intimate, gritty look at a fighter’s journey, told through inspiring vignettes, GSP is a moving account of commitment and power, achievement and pain, dedication and conviction from one of the world's greatest champions.

Gives insight into the life of Bruce Lee's only Martial Arts instructor.# Unforgettable stories with powerful messages.# Teaches 15 principles that lead to self-mastery.A Master's gift to the world is his life. In stories by those who knew him, the Master's life becomes a sketch of a path to Mastery.From stories shared by his son, this book paints a portrait of the famous Wing Chun Grand Master, Ip Man, providing a set of fifteen principles as a guide to master. These stories and the principles drawn from them are commended to you for your benefit, learning and enjoyment.

A New York Times Bestseller, Got Fight? is an hysterical, entertaining, and in-your-face guide to fighting from the most enigmatic and unpredictable fighter in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Forrest Griffin is the light-heavyweight champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and was the winner of the first season of Spike TV’s The Ultimate Fighter; in Got Fight?, he shows you how he did it. With Erich Krauss, Muay Thai fighter and co-author of “The Prodigy” B.J. Penn’s Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge.

The “baddest man on the planet,” undisputed, three-time WWE Champion and current UFC World Heavyweight Champion, Brock Lesner, shares his true personal story of determination, domination, and survival in Death Clutch. A raw, no-holds-barred memoir from one of the most popular—and polarizing—figures in sports entertainment and professional mixed martial arts, Death Clutch is an essential volume for every WWE and Ultimate Fighting fan.

Compiled from Bruce Lee's own notes and writings, Bruce Lee Jeet Kune Do is the seminal book presenting the martial art created by Bruce Lee himself.

Jeet Kune Do was a revolutionary new approach to the martial arts in its time and is the principal reason why Bruce Lee is revered as a pioneer by martial artists today, many decades after his death. The development of his unique martial art form—its principles, core techniques, and lesson plans—are all presented in this book in Bruce Lee's own words and notes. This is the complete and official version of Jeet Kune Do which was originally published by Tuttle Publishing in cooperation with the Lee family in 1997. It is still the most comprehensive presentation of Jeet Kune Do available.

This Jeet Kune Do book features Lee's illustrative sketches and his remarkable notes and commentaries on the nature of combat and achieving success in life through the martial arts, as well as the importance of a positive mental attitude during training. In addition, there are a series of "Questions Every Martial Artist Must Ask Himself" that Lee posed to himself and intended to explore as part of his own development, but never lived to complete. Bruce Lee Jeet Kune Do is the book every Bruce Lee fan must have in his collection.

This Bruce Lee Book is part of the Bruce Lee Library which also features:Bruce Lee: Striking ThoughtsBruce Lee: The Celebrated Life of the Golden DragonBruce Lee: The Tao of Gung FuBruce Lee: Artist of LifeBruce Lee: Letters of the DragonBruce Lee: The Art of Expressing the Human Body

The definitive translation now encompassing never-before-seen images, including artwork by Musashi himself. Japan's business executives have long applied Musashi's teachings to their business methods. This book - the original life-guide by Japan's greatest warrior - means you can do so too. Written in 1645 by the most famous and unconquerable of all samurai, A Book of Five Rings is the classic guide to kendo swordmanship and a distillation of the philosophies of Zen, Shinto and Confucius. The West is now discovering what the Japanese have always known: that the ancient wisdom of the Samurai Way provides a strategy for decision and action in all areas of life - the home, the battleground and the boardroom.

"A teacher is never a giver of truth—he is a guide, a pointer to the truth that each student must find for himself. A good teacher is merely a catalyst."—Bruce Lee

Within the pages of Striking Thoughts, you will find the secrets of Bruce Lee's incredible success— as an actor, martial artist, and inspiration to the world. Consisting of eight sections, Striking Thoughts covers 72 topics and 825 aphorisms—from spirituality to personal liberation and from family life to filmmaking—all of which Bruce lived by.

His ideas helped energize his life and career and made it possible for him to live a happy and assured life, overcoming challenging obstacles with seeming ease. His ideas also inspired his family, friends, students, and colleagues to achieve success in their own lives and this personal collection will help you in your journey too.

Sections include:On First Principles—including life, existence, time, and deathOn Being Human—including the mind, happiness, fear, and dreamsOn Matters of Existence—health, love, marriage, raising children, ethics, racism, and adversityOn Achievement—work, goals, faith, success, money, and fameOn Art and Artists—art, filmmaking, and actingOn Personal Liberation—conditioning, Zen Buddhism, meditation, and freedomOn the Process of Becoming—self-actualization, self-help, self-expression, and growthOn Ultimate (Final) Principles—Yin-yang, totality, Tao, and the truth This Bruce Lee Book is part of the Bruce Lee Library which also features:Bruce Lee: The Celebrated Life of the Golden DragonBruce Lee: The Tao of Gung FuBruce Lee: Artist of LifeBruce Lee: Letters of the DragonBruce Lee: The Art of Expressing the Human BodyBruce Lee: Jeet Kune Do

In the months leading up to his death, Bruce Lee was working on this definitive study of the Chinese martial arts—collectively known as Kung Fu or Gung Fu. This book has now been edited and is published here for the first time in its entirety.

Bruce Lee totally revolutionized the practice of martial arts and brought them into the modern world—by promoting the idea that students have the right to pick and choose those techniques and training regimens which suit their own personal needs and fighting styles. He developed a new style of his own called Jeet Kune Do—combining many elements from different masters and different traditions. This was considered heretical at the time within martial arts circles, where one was expected to study with only a single master—and Lee was the first martial artist to attempt this. Today he is revered as the "father" of martial arts practice around the world—including Mixed Martial Arts.

In addition to presenting the fundamental techniques, mindset and training methods of traditional Chinese martial arts, this martial art treatise explores such esoteric topics as Taoism and Zen as applied to Gung Fu, Eastern and Western fitness regimens and self-defense techniques. Also included is a Gung Fu "scrapbook" of Bruce Lee's own personal anecdotes regarding the history and traditions of the martial arts of China. After Lee's death, his manuscript was completed and edited by martial arts expert John Little in cooperation with the Bruce Lee Estate. This book features an introduction by his wife, Linda Lee Cadwell and a foreword from his close friend and student, Taky Kimura.

This Bruce Lee Book is part of the Bruce Lee Library which also features:Bruce Lee: Striking ThoughtsBruce Lee: The Celebrated Life of the Golden DragonBruce Lee: Artist of LifeBruce Lee: Letters of the DragonBruce Lee: The Art of Expressing the Human BodyBruce Lee: Jeet Kune Do

Master the moves of krav maga—the international self-defense and physical fitness sensation

Increasingly popular around the world, krav maga is the renowned hand-to-hand Martial Arts defense fighting designed by the Israeli military forces. Swift, powerful, and simple, it is an effective method for fending off any kind of attacker—and it is also an amazing workout.

Regardless of size, strength, and fitness level, anyone can master the essentials of krav maga—and reap the rewards of increased safety, confidence, and conditioning. With moves you can learn in as little as five minutes, or train and practice for long-term success, Krav Maga covers all the below:

*What is Krav Maga all about*Instruction on how to protect your body's vulnerable target and learn weapons defense combat*Use an opponent's momentum to fuel your counterattack*Escape all kinds of grips and holds*Combine training punches, kicks, and other moves into a powerful conditioning workout---to lose weight, increase core strength, and improve muscle tone *Use specially designed drills and a 12-week training program to become a kravist---a smart and prepared fighter

Written by one of America's foremost krav maga experts, this exciting new guide opens the door to an empowering and important set of techniques that you or anyone can master.

This new edition of Cooper's classic Principles of Personal Defense - with a fitting tribute by firearms expert Louis Awerbuck and all-new drawings by renowned illustrator Paul Kirchner - presents his timeless theory of individual defensive behavior clearly, concisely and practically. All free people who aspire to stay that way should read, study and share the wisdom found within these pages. Considered by many to be one of the greatest books on combat mindset and proper defensive mental conditioning ever writte, it deserves a place of honor in every library.

Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere: An Illustrated Introduction provides a complete foundation in the practice of one of the most distinctive and effective Japanese martial arts.

Aikido was created in Japan in the 1920's by Morihei Ueshiba, also known as Osensei. To possess the skills, techniques and attitude of the true practitioner of aikido, one must achieve a very high level of integration of the powers of mind and body, the harmonious combination of physical means and ethical motives. By controlling body position and learning how to harmonize vital physical and mental powers, anyone (regardless of size, strength or weight) can fend off attacks using this sophisticated martial art.

Written and illustrated by husband/wife team, Oscar Ratti and Adele Westbrook, Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere, with over 1,200 illustrations, includes many Aikido techniques in chapters such as: What is Aikido?The Foundations of AikidoThe Practice of AikidoThe Basic Techniques of NeutralizationAdvanced PracticeAnd more!

Look past the legends and learn about the REAL ninjas of feudal Japan with this entertaining, illustrated ninjutsu guide.

Ninjutsu, the least understood of the Japanese martial arts, is an ancient fighting style emphasizing natural movement, responsiveness to adversaries, and absolute practicality. In feudal Japan, ninja were feared for their skill in espionage and, particularly, assassination. Masters of weaponry, stealth, and martial techniques, ninja were credited with supernatural powers because of the near-invincibility of their unique and deadly art.

In The Ninja and Their Secret Fighting Art, Black Belt Hall of Fame member, Stephen K. Hayes, reveals the secrets that lead to the perception of the ninja as warriors of almost sorcerous skill—the art of invisibility, special tools and weapons, and psychological training enabling the ninja to gain advantage in any situation.

Chapters include:Perspective—Origin; Organization; Training; At the Height of Power; The Decline; Ninjutsu in the Modern WorldSearch for the NinjaUnarmed Combat—The Ninja Fists; Fighting Postures; Other FactorsWeaponry—Chains and Cords; Sticks and Staffs; Canes with Concealed Weapons; The Ninja Sword; Throwing BladesThe Way of Invisibility—Sense Deception; Phantom Steps; Reconnaissance; Blending with the Night; Attacking the Eyes; The Art of DisguiseShadow Warriors—Espionage; Commando TacticsThe Realm of the Spirit—Psychological Warfare; The Force of the Killer; The Great Harmony

A New York Times best seller. Millions of people worldwide know Chuck Norris as the star of more than twenty motion pictures, a martial arts expert, and the only man in the Western Hemisphere to hold an eighth degree Black Belt Grand Master in Tae Kwon Do. Countless others see him daily in syndicated reruns as the hero of the longest running CBS series to date, "Walker, Texas Ranger." What many don't know is that Chuck Norris is a sincere Christian - a man whose faith plays a role in everything he does. Against All Odds is the inspirational story of how Norris overcame abject poverty from childhood, the effects of his father's alcoholism and desertion of the family, and his own shyness and lack of strength and ability early in his life. Norris writes candidly about the past and gives God full credit for where he is today.

Ninjutsu: The Secret Art of the Ninja covers all aspects of this remarkable martial art, including the hidden details within the Ninjutsu forms. It reveals the secrets of how to develop power through body movement, how to effectively remove an opponent's balance, and how to unify the mind, the body and technique. The author's objective is to improve both the reader's mental and physical skills and to promote harmony between mind and body. A wide-ranging introduction covers the history of Ninjutsu and mental and physical attitude. The following chapters cover principles, fitness and stretching, postures, break falls, Sanshin No Kata, the Kihon Happo, basic and additional techniques, Sixteen Secret Fists, training pointers and advice, and pressure points.

Warrior Mind is a guide to understanding and developing the warrior’s essential mind-set. Warrior mind has three components. The first is inner strength—the development of unassailable integrity, clear intent, and unwavering tenacity. The second is a thorough understanding of the principles of strategy—correct movement and balance, proper angles, proper timing, and proper entry. The third is acquiring body intelligence- a spontaneous flow of movement in response to an attack without having to think about it. Eventually, thought and movement become one expression.

Warrior Mind is also a guide to a strong and proactive approach to life itself. The principles that strengthen the warrior mind-set also empower and enrich one’s life whether or not one is involved in a martial study. In fact, the goal of developing warrior mind is to become so internally strong that we discourage and minimize the violence around us. Ultimately, achieving warrior mind is a spiritual journey.

But it wasn’t always that way. Once a shy, frustrated child, an outcast in school, & an unwelcome competitor in a male-dominated sport, walk along with Rousey as she pulls herself up from an unthinkable tragedy to become the UFC’s first female fighter & one of the greatest female athletes of our time.

"I’ve been through so much that there isn’t much left that can scare me. I’ve felt the most pain that I could ever feel, and I’ve felt the most pressure that I could feel and there’s nothing else left. And I believe that I’m capable of doing anything."

-Ronda Rousey

Review by thriller novelist Kerry J Donovan:

Mr Demers is Ms Rousey's unofficial biographer and he does a fantastic job of bringing us close to a charismatic woman fighter at the peak of her physical powers. Mr Demers' relaxed and informative style is joy to read. He clearly respects and admires his subject and has spent a great deal of time researching this enigmatic superstar. From its opening pages where Mr Demers places Ronda's fighting life in an historical perspective, through to the end where he speculates about Ronda's future career, and the dark places in between, this is a great, informative piece of work. Matt Demers shows a deft touch in this excellent book and, like Ronda, pulls no punches. Whether you love women's extreme fighting or not, Mr Rousey's place as a sporting superstar cannot and should not be disregarded. This is an excellent read.

The secrets of the ancient Eastern masters are your key to mind control--and victory.

Lost to history until now, these Eastern techniques of mental domination, developed and perfected over thousands of years--and through hundreds of secret cadres--are your crucial weapons for ensuring victory, even before landing a blow. As Dr. Haha Lung and Christopher Prowant unlock the seemingly supernatural strategies of Asia's shrouded cultures in their much-praised easy-to-understand language, you'll master long-lost techniques from:

• China: the tactics and techniques of manipulation and mayhem of the Lin-Kuei and Mushuh Nanren

• Vietnam: the mysterious methods of the "The Clack Crows," a stealthy, ninjalike branch of the Cao Dai

• Japan: the strategies of the criminal masters of Japan's underworld for tempting and terrorizing your victim into obeying your every command

A word of caution: these are very powerful--and dangerous--secrets. Mental Dominance is for academic study ONLY.

Dr. Haha Lung is the author of more than a dozen books on martial arts, including Mind Penetration, Mind Fist, The Nine Halls of Death, Assassin!, Mind Manipulation, Knights of Darkness, Mind Control: The Ancient Art of Psychological Warfare, The Lost Fighting Arts of Vietnam and, with co-author Christopher B. Prowant, Ninja Shadowland.

Featuring over 300 black and white photos and step-by-step illustrations, Wing Chun Kung-Fu: A Complete Guide offers clear, straightforward, and authoritative instruction to the Chinese martial art of Wing Chun Kung-Fu. This Wing Chun book introduces and demonstrates the three empty-hand wing chun kung fu forms, the combative building blocks of the system, including sticky-hand and sticky-leg fighting, chin-na, and the theory of vital strikes to the weak points of human anatomy (dar mak). This Wing Chun guide also introduces the wooden dummy form, the six-and-a-half pole form, and the use of butterfly knives.

In addition, this kung fu book provides detailed commentary on the theory behind each move so that you can develop an in-depth understanding of both the practical application of this fighting art and the meaning behind it. Other sections include specialized fighting and grappling techniques and instructions on using weapons. An additional section is devoted to conditioning, stretching, power training and weight training exercises that will be of particular benefit for serious students of Wing Chun and practitioners of any martial art.

In his loft in New york City's Greenwich Village, Sifu Shi Yan Ming trains men and women of all ages, body types and backgrounds in the fundamentals of kung fu. A 34th generation Shaolin Warrior monk from China's Shaolin Temple--the birthplace of Chan Buddhism and the mecca of all martial arts--Yan Ming teaches the students at his USA Shaolin Temple that there is no better workout program than his brand of kung fu for getting the body and mind into warrior condition.

Lavishly illustrated with hundreds of four-color photographs, the warrior workout, distills a lifetime of Shaolin training and wisdom into a 28-day workout. The Shaolin Workout is a complete-unto-itself program of both fitness and spiritual lessons can be applied to every aspect of one's life: work, relationships, family.

Kung fu gives a superb aerobic workout at the same time that it dramatically increases flexibility, power, and speed. The ultimate promise of the book is this: those who stick to the plan for 28 days--for as little as 15 minutes a day--will be transformed inside and out. And the enormous sense of accomplishment that results will radiate through your life, allowing you to tackle the world with a warrior's confidence, calm, and poise.

This classic interpretation of Miyamoto Musashi's famous Book of Five Rings is intended specifically for the martial artist—as Miyamoto Musashi originally intended.

It explains the underlying truths necessary for a full understanding of Musashi's message for warriors. The result is an enthralling book on martial strategy that combines the instincts of the warrior with the philosophies of Zen Buddhism, Shintoism, Confucianism and Taoism. It is a crucial book for every martial artist to read and understand.

Like the original, this classic book of strategy is divided into five sections. The Book of Earth lays the groundwork for anyone wishing to understand Musashi's teachings; the Book of Water explains the warrior's approach to strategy; the Book of Fire teaches fundamental fighting techniques based on the Earth and Water principles; the Book of Wind describes differences between Musashi's own martial style and the styles of other fighting schools; while the Book of No-thing describes the "way of nature" as understood through an "unthinking" existing preconception.

Famed martial artist and bestselling author Stephen Kaufman has translated this classic without the usual academic or commercial bias, driving straight into the heart of Musashi's martial teachings and interpreting them for his fellow martial artists. The result is an enthralling combination of warrior wisdom and philosophical truths that Musashi offered to other warriors who wished to master the martial way of bushido.

Here, in his own words, is the story of one of the greatest wrestlers ever—Rowdy Roddy Piper. The bagpipe-playing legend gets down and dirty about the world of professional wrestling—and his own career.

In his acclaimed national best seller, A Fighter’s Heart, Sam Sheridan took readers with him as he stepped through the ropes into the dangerous world of professional fighting. From a muay Thai bout in Bangkok to Rio, where he trained with jiu-jitsu royalty, to Iowa, where he matched up against the toughest in MMA, Sheridan threw himself into a quest to understand how and why we fight. In The Fighter’s Mind, Sheridan does for the brain what his first book did for the body. To uncover the secrets of mental strength and success, Sheridan interviewed dozens of the world’s most fascinating and dangerous men, including celebrated trainers Freddie Roach and Greg Jackson; champion fighters Randy Couture, Frank Shamrock, and Marcelo Garcia; ultrarunner David Horton; legendary wrestler Dan Gable, and many more. What are their secrets? How do they stay committed through years of training, craft a game plan, and adjust to the realities of the ring? How do they project strength when weak, and remain mentally tough despite incredible physical pain? A fascinating book, bursting at the seams with incredible stories and insight, The Fighter’s Mind answers these questions and many more.

Nei Gong has been a well-kept secret within the Daoist sects of China for centuries. Based upon the original teachings of the great sage Laozi, it has only ever been taught to close students of the masters chosen as the heads of the ancient orders. This book provides a breakdown of the entire Nei Gong process, and explains in plain English the philosophy which underpins Nei Gong practice, and which is based on the original teachings of the ancient Daoist priests. The methodology of Sung breathing, an advanced meditative practice which has until now been reserved for 'inner-door' students is described, and the book contains an entire set of Qigong exercises accompanied by instructional photographs and drawings. This book will be of interest to all practitioners of Qi Gong, martial arts and meditation, and will be a rewarding read for anyone interested in Eastern philosophy.

`There's more than a few instances in this biography of UFC cult favourite Mark Hunt that make you shake your head in can't-make-this-stuff-up disbelief? - Inside Sport

A powerful story of sadness, hope, pride, honour and triumph from the real-life Rocky!

Raw, confronting and honest, UFC champion Mark Hunt's inspiring autobiography shows it is possible to defy the odds and carve a better life. Born into a Mormon Samoan family, Hunt details his harrowing early life, his troubled teen years, and his angry youth with no apparent future.

After being plucked from an Auckland street fight and dropped into his first kickboxing bout, Mark went on to achieve unprecedented success in Australian and New Zealand combat sports. In an ongoing career that has spanned the globe, Mark Hunt has been in some of the UFC, Pride and K-1's most memorable battles. But in some ways those fights pale in comparison to that which he has overcome out of the ring and cage.

As fearless with his opinions as he is in the Octagon, Mark pulls no punches in revealing the highs and lows of his extraordinary life.

HARDCORE SELF-DEFENSE is totally unlike any other martial-arts book you've ever read. It is the result of a lifetime of experience by one who walks the Warrior's Path. Jam-packed with useful information, no space is wasted with "filler material" like training methods, foreign terminology, or photographs of the author pretending to spar. No, this book gets right to the point and tells you the best ways to defend oneself, as well as commonly taught nonsense that will not work against a real opponent. This book is heavy on combat psychology and weaponscraft, and is intended for those who are truly serious about protecting themselves and their loved ones. Be warned, this book is NOT FOR THE MEEK!

TARGET YOUR OPPONENT'S VITAL POINTS TO DISABLE ANYONE USING MINIMAL FORCE -Over 300 step-by-step photos show each point and strike-Written by a 9th - Dan Master and renowned expert on pressure point fighting Martial arts lore tells of masters who possessed a mysterious ability to defeat an opponent with a single perfectly placed blow. The Secret Art of Pressure Point Fighting transforms the ancient legend into a modern reality--an anatomically based fighting and self-defense system that allows a smaller defender to defeat a larger attacker by striking at the key points on his body.

Straightforward and easy to understand, The Secret Art of Pressure Point Fighting provides a complete overview of the body's vulnerable points and teaches how to stop an attacker as quickly as possible using a minimal amount of physical strength.

The comprehensive and accurate edition of the Hagakure is a must-have for serious martial artists or fans of samurai and the bushido code.

The Hagakure is one of the most influential of all Japanese texts—written nearly 300 years ago by Yamamoto Tsunetomo to summarize the very essence of the Japanese Samurai bushido ("warrior") spirit. Its influence has been felt throughout the world, and yet its existence is scarcely known to many Westerners. This is the first translation to include the complete first two books of the Hagakure and the most reliable and authentic passages contained within the third book; all other English translations published previously have been extremely fragmentary and incomplete.

Alex Bennett's completely new and highly readable translation of this essential work includes extensive footnotes that serve to fill in many cultural and historical gaps in the previous translations. This unique combination of readability and scholarship gives Hagakure: The Secret Wisdom of the Samurai a distinct advantage over all previous English editions.

Master the art of Kendo—Japanese Swordsmanship with this illustrated and comprehensive martial arts guide.

Kendo or the "Way of the Sword" holds a special place within the martial arts as one of the few practices tracing back directly to Japan's ancient samurai heritage. Modern students flock to kendo for physically—and mentally—challenging activity that combines traditional martial arts values with strenuous physical activity.

Author Geoff Salmon has over 40 years of kendo experience gained in and outside of Japan. His goal in this kendo guide is to dispel many misconceptions about the sport and to make kendo training accessible and effective for anyone. His simple, straightforward writing style is especially helpful for beginning students and martial artists from other disciplines who wish to add kendo training to their repertoire.

The core of this kendo book is a series of detailed instructional sequences demonstrating the basic kendo techniques. The author also presents the fundamental principles and philosophy that make kendo as much an exercise of the mind as of the sword. For many adherents, the goal is to train your mind to achieve a state of mushin (no-mind). Beyond that, this book also shows you how to win competitions and integrate kendo into your personal fitness routines.

This is the first book to clearly link the philosophical and mental elements of kendo to the physical techniques, thereby enabling readers to gain a holistic understanding of the martial art. It offers a comprehensive training program similar to those given by leading kendo teachers in Japan, past and present.

In the vein of Bruce Lee's famous "be water, my friend" speech as referenced by Tom Brady comes a guide to harnessing your energy to increase focus and peace.

"A fascinating and helpful book for everyone trying to make sense of our crazy world." - Joe Hyams, Author of Zen in the Martial Arts

Joseph Cardillo, Ph.D and top-selling author, reveals the philosophy behind the martial arts techniques that lead to a creative and fulfilled life in this entertaining and insightful guide. Using the techniques outlined in this book, you will feel more deeply and gain confidence in your ability to take care of yourself.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a guide to the most effective and devastating techniques in popular martial arts by World Champion and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu legend Alexandre Paiva.

The book contains over 1,000 full-color photographs demonstrating the moves that made the author the most feared competitor in BJJ circles and now one of the most sought-after instructors. Jiu-Jitsu or Jujutsu came into prominence in the early 90's when jiu-jitsu expert Royce Gracie won the first, second, and fourth Ultimate Fighting Championships against much larger opponents who were using other styles such as boxing, muay thai, karate, and wrestling. Since then it has become one of the most popular styles in MMA due to its focus on ground fighting.

Learn the techniques that have proven dominant in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments and in the Mixed Martial Arts cage: Takedowns The Closed Guard Passing The Closed Guard Butterfly Guard Open Guard Pass Side Control Half Guard Back Mount With sections devoted to both gi and no-gi techniques, whether training for a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament or a Mixed Martial Arts fight, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one book no true competitor can afford to miss.

Eskrima, which is also known as Arnis (De Mano) or Kali, is the indigenous martial art of the Philippine Islands. Dynamic and flexible, with a wide range of training methods it can be practised by students of all ages and levels of fitness. Well known and respected as a highly practical weapons-based system, Eskrima is practised worldwide by civilians, law enforcement personnel and special units within the military. Eskrima uses training weapons (rattan sticks and daggers) from the earliest stages, alongside purely unarmed techniques. These training methods have been found particularly effective at increasing co-ordination and reflexes, providing a fast track to developing the qualities needed for practical self-defence. This fascinating book traces the history and evolution of this art form. It highlights Eskrima's essential principles and concepts. The instructional section illustrates how the Eskrimador is able to succeed in a wide range of combat situations involving fighting with both weapons and open-hands. Techniques, two-person flow drills, self-defence applications, training with specialized equipment, the philosophy of the art and 'self-defence and the law' are all covered in depth.

All the facts, legends and technique of the ninja are presented here y one of the foremost authorities on the subject.

The Ninja, also known as Shinobi, inspired awe and terror in equal measure. Master of espionage and assassination, stealth and concealment, the ninja's ability to move swiftly and silently gave rise to popular legends of amazing exploits, invincibility and supernatural powers.

In Ninjutsu: The Art of Invisibility, Donn Draeger draws back the veil of mystery shrouding the arcane practices of feudal Japan's shadow warriors. Stripping away myth and exaggeration, Draeger reveals the secret tactics, exotic weapons, tricks and disguises that earned the ninja a reputation as history's most feared secret agents.

Chapters include: Entering the World of the NinjaHistory and OrganizationTraining and SkillsOperating TechniquesCostumeTools and WeaponsTactics, Ruses, and FeatsFacts and Legends

In Tai Chi Chuan and the Code of Life, Graham Horwood describes the various styles of Tai Chi Chuan, exploring its roots in the Chinese philosophy of Taoism as well as elaborating on the evolution it has undergone over millennia. In order to understand the energetic method of Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung, he highlights parallels between its source, The I Ching, and archetypal principles from both Eastern and Western philosophy and medicine. The text and diagrams show the synergy between the different cultures, and shows how they are all linked. This enables the beginner or the experienced Tai Chi practitioner to improve their understanding of Tai Chi, which will strengthen both the mind and body, opening the gateway to the inner person. Drawing on information from the Yang family's formerly secret teachings, the book explains how to build chi (energy), circulate and store it, and also includes an exclusive set of Chi Kung exercises which will augment the building, circulation and storage of chi for the healer and martial practitioner, showing the path to optimizing the practitioner's energetic and spiritual development. The exercises are accompanied by an explanation of where chi comes from and its application for the mind and body as well as the flow in the meridians. The book provides an excellent introduction to both the theory and key practices of Tai Chi Chuan for the beginner, and multi-level insights for the seasoned practitioner that will enhance his or her practice and understanding of Tai Chi Chuan.

Thanks to the dominance of its practitioners at Ultimate Fighting Championships and other mixed martial arts tournaments, jiu-jitsu has become one of the most popular forms of martial arts in the United States. This fighting technique features ground fighting and submission moves that bewilder even the most ferocious opponents.

In Jiu-Jitsu Unleashed, expert Eddie Bravo teaches you the moves that he used to defeat legendary Royler Gracie--a member of the reigning family of jiujitsu--the victory that made him one of the sport's most feared competitors. Jiu-Jitsu Unleashed features:

Drawn from sources deep in China and India, the long-lost secrets of mastering the mental arts of Ame-tsuchi-jitsu are now revealed by martial-arts master Dr. Haha Lung. Those with the courage to explore these forbidden techniques will be rewarded with the skills to master any foe or situation, from the conference room to the battlefield and beyond. Inside these explosive pages, you'll learn:

• The 6 Steps to Power

• Secrets of "Shadow Ki" Hypnosis

• Kotodama: Spirit Words of Power

• Junishi-do-jitsu: Ruling the 12 Rulers

• Kuji-kiri: The 9 Doors of Power

• Hannibal's 99 Truths

• And much more,/UL>

BE ADVISED: This is a very dangerous art. Ultimate Mind Control! is for academic study ONLY.

Dr. Haha Lung is the author of more than a dozen books on martial arts, including Mind Penetration, Mind Fist, The Nine Halls of Death, Assassin!, Mind Manipulation, Knights of Darkness, Mind Control: The Ancient Art of Psychological Warfare, and with co-author Christopher B. Prowant, Mind Assassins, Ninja Shadowhand, and Mental Dominance.

This is the first book on the market to cater to two growing populations, martial artists and baby boomers. Once a blood and guts sport for tough young men, martial arts is now touted by athletes, aerobics trainers, actors, super models and soccer mums as the number one way for adults to get fit and stay in shape. This book addresses important questions like: How old is too old start a marital art?; What type of exercises are best (and which ones are dangerous) for the over-40 martial artist?; What are the effects of ageing and how can martial arts combat them?; How can baby boomers keep up in a martial arts class full of gen-Xers?; What types of injuries are most prevalent after 40 and how can they be prevented? This book takes a positive and enthusiastic approach to taking up or continuing a martial art in middle age or later. Readers will be inspired, reassured and educated.

Become a champion in the Thai martial arts world with this Muay Thai training guide!

Muay Thai (or Thai boxing), the national sport of Thailand, has become one of the most prominent martial arts forms in the mixed martial arts (MMA) arena. Often called "the art of eight limbs," Muay Thai combines the use of punches, kickboxing, elbows, knees and standing grappling moves.

Mastering Muay Thai Kick-Boxing is an excellent aid to anyone training in Muay Thai or MMA — new students can learn the moves efficiently, while experienced students will refine their techniques. Author and experienced martial artist Joe Harvey presents students with over 200 color photographs, and training aids such as stepping diagrams, tables, training drills, tips and more!

This Muay Thai book will take your practice of this intense sport to the next level.

Shaolin Kungfu has been considered by many as the best martial art in the world. But kungfu is just one of the three treasures of Shaolin, the other two being chi kung and Zen.

For the first time ever, this inspiring book, written by an internationally acclaimed Shaolin Grandmaster, brings to you the crystallization of Shaolin wisdom and practice spanning many centuries. Its scope and depth is amazing, touching on, among many other things, poetry and enlightenment.

Yet it is written in a language easy to understand. Profound concepts and difficult techniques are explained systematically with many illustrations.

The book includes:

* The background and scope of kungfu.

* Form and combat applications.

* Principles and methods of force training.

* Energy training and mind training.

* Secrets of the masters.

* Traditional Chinese weapons.

* Maintaining one’s health and vitality and the healing of so-called incurable diseases.

Sun Tzu's The Art of War has been the premier manual of Chinese military strategy for the past two millennia and, as thousands of Asian businessmen can attest, this classic work is as applicable to the corporate world as it is to the battlefield.

This is the only contemporary edition of the classic Lionel Giles translation to contain all of the translator's original notes, to help you better understand Sun Tzu's powerful maxims and apply them in your daily life. John Minford's foreword brings insights to this classic text and its timeless relevance to the modern world.

BILINGUAL EDITION: COMPLETE CHINESE AND ENGLISH TEXT

This edition also marks the first time Giles' translation has been converted to Hanyu Pinyin—the standard Chinese romanization system. Additionally, the book contains the full Chinese language version of the text, along with Giles' extensive notes, with their original Chinese text references to the historical Chinese commentators, making this edition a treasure to military scholars, martial artists, and those planning to use Sun Tzu's strategies to conquer the business world.

Sun Tzu's book will arm you with the knowledge that has allowed those who have studied this classic to gain victory—and often, total domination—over those who remain ignorant of its sage advice.

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is America's fastest-growing combat sport, with millions signing up for MMA classes and many more tuning in to "pay-per-view" to watch events with names like "Cage Rage" and "No Limit." MMA is not for wimps, and participants take a real pounding-they must be ready for anything. However, there is one way to predict a winner in any bout: conditioning. When facing an opponent with equal technical skill, the better-conditioned athlete will win-every match, every round, every time.

Now, with amateur fight leagues springing up across the country, top conditioning coach Jason Ferruggia reveals the ultimate conditioning program for the ultimate fighter. By gaining overall strength, stamina, speed, and flexibility, athletes can substantially reduce their risk of injury in this intense contact sport.

The key to Ferruggia's system is his emphasis on matspecific conditioning techniques. Too many would-be fighters use training programs borrowed from football or bodybuilding-methods that are all wrong for MMA. Included are:

- A first-rate warm-up guaranteed to make a fighter more explosive and to reduce injuries - Off-the-charts strength-building secrets - Dozens of exercises to develop crushing grip strength - Top speed-building methods, including Olympic lifts, plyometrics, and throws - Incredibly effective exercises for building a thick, powerful neck that could be the difference between victory and serious injury

Each exercise is accompanied by black-and-white photos illustrating proper technique and form, and "Inside the Cage" tips share the secrets to success from top professional fighters.

With the aid of superb line artworks, Unarmed Combat demonstrates to the reader how special forces soldiers are taught to excel in hand-to-hand fighting: how they maximise bodyweight, and the use of various strikes, throws, locks and constrictions to defeat opponents.

It explains how different martial arts have been combined by military units to create hand-to-hand combat systems for defence against multiple assailants, for fighting on the ground, for dealing with edged and impact weapons, what works against attackers with firearms and – more importantly – what doesn’t.

With tips and techniques from unarmed combat experts, the book is divided into two main sections. The first covers the mental preparation needed to be ready to defend yourself. The second covers the physical techniques needed to defend yourself, and if necessary, strike back to temporarily incapacitate your attacker and escape.

With more than 300 easy-to-follow artworks and handy pull-out lists of key information, Unarmed Combat is the definitive guide for anyone wanting to be ready for anything - it could save your life.

“This book is a warmhearted handshake, a graceful and practical invitation to enter and blend with the ahhh of the world. It is as natural and wise an introduction to the spirit of the martial arts as you can find on paper.”—Jack Kornfield, bestselling author of A Path with Heart

In his bestselling Mastery, renowned spiritual and martial arts teacher George Leonard taught hundreds of thousands of people how to use Zen philosophy to reach mastery in any field. Now, he brings together his extraordinary knowledge and experience into a book that translates the principles of aikido directly into our everyday lives.

Aikido is more philosophy and meditation than a technique or a series of purely physical maneuvers. Leonard shares the secrets of this remarkable Eastern philosophy, which is the basis for the most radical and demanding of all martial arts. Through mind-body exercises inspired by aikido yet designed for non-practitioners, he demonstrates the fundamental understanding behind aikido and shows how it can be applied to help set us on the path to composure, self-sufficiency, and spiritual centeredness.

Combining illuminating personal anecdotes with practical advice, this award-winning author describes the ways in which aikido can help turn life’s unanticipated blows into gifts and transform discord into harmony, anxiety and pain into vital energy. Exhilarating, enlightening, and filled with unique wisdom, The Way of Aikido is an inspiring lesson in balance, confidence, and power.

“The Way of Aikido does no less than open the door to the universe and invite you through to become one with it, to become balanced, powerful, energetic, alert, and present.”—Susan Trott, author of The Holy Man and Crane Spreads Wings

Who gave Bruce Lee advice on kicking and taught Muhammad Ali how to punch? Which Welshman is revered in Japan as a karate expert, novelist and environmentalist? On which film did Jackie Chan fracture his skull and almost lose his life? All these questions and more are answered in From Lee To Li.Ben Stevens, a lifelong martial arts fan, has compiled a quirky and informative guide to the giants of martial arts history. From Bruce Lee to Jet Li, from Neil Adams to Donnie Yen with Jackie Chan, Chuck Norris, Tony Jaa, Brian Jacks and plenty more in between.

Covering popular forms such as judo and kung fu right through to lesser-known arts like hapkido and iaido, From Lee To Li is a guide for enthusiasts of martial arts sports and kung fu movies alike and is probably the only A-Z to feature monks alongside movie stars and Olympic athletes.

The noncompetitive self-defense technique known as Krav Maga originally began in the Israeli Defense Force, of which author Boaz Aviram has been a long-standing member. Krav Maga combines fighting techniques from a wide range of martial arts, from boxing to jiujitsu to judo, and teaches its students invaluable lessons in optimizing self-defense, maintaining awareness, and striking most effectively. Boaz Aviram provides sound information on how to best tackle your opponent in the quickest and most efficient way. Some of these methods include:

• Preemptive counterattacks• Using your opponent’s most vulnerable areas to your advantage• Paying attention to possible escape routes• Using common objects at hand for self-defense

Krav Maga offers the original philosophy and application of hand-to-hand training as it started out, and Aviram scrupulously explains the origins of each technique to help the reader best comprehend it. This book provides over 150 techniques with over one thousand photos to help you get started in the world of self-defense, self-awareness, and maximum efficiency.

Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Sports Publishing imprint, is proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in sports—books about baseball, pro football, college football, pro and college basketball, hockey, or soccer, we have a book about your sport or your team.

In addition to books on popular team sports, we also publish books for a wide variety of athletes and sports enthusiasts, including books on running, cycling, horseback riding, swimming, tennis, martial arts, golf, camping, hiking, aviation, boating, and so much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to publishing books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked by other publishers and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

Bruce Lee's original Jeet Kune Do martial arts system back in the 1970's was a combination of training methods that allows you to be a complete fighter, using unlimited fighting concepts to constantly train your core techniques, mastering all ranges, seeking out the unknown.Urban Combat is based on the concepts of Jeet Kune Do and also combines other various styles of martial arts resulting in a highly usable realistic modern day self defence system that can be adapted to its user.This book details step-by-step self-defence techniques and reality based principles. In addition, it explores the mental and spiritual aspects of the 'Urban Combat' martial arts system, drawing upon the core concepts of Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do.Emil Martirossian currently trains and teaches classes/privately and is the Kung Fu Technical Editor for 'Martial Arts Illustrated Magazine' (UK). For further information visit: www.emilmartialarts.co.uk

Approximately 1.9 million women are physically assaulted annually in the United States alone. In Survive the Unthinkable, Tim Larkin empowers women to understand that surviving a potential attack isn't about being physically bigger, faster, or stronger; it's about knowing how to self-protect, not self-defend.

Survive the Unthinkable reveals the effective, proven principles behind Target Focus Training, the system Larkin has used to train Navy SEALs, celebrities, and soccer moms. It's a counter-intuitive mind / body approach women can use to protect themselves and their loved ones. Readers learn how to identify the difference between social aggression (which can be avoided) and asocial violence (which is unavoidable), recognize personal behaviors that may jeopardize safety, and target highly specific areas on an attacker's body for a strategic counterattack.

Larkin discusses how predators think and teaches women how to spot them, outsmart them, and stop them in their tracks. With principles proven to work regardless of size, strength, or athleticism, Larkin's approach revolutionizes women's perspective on violence and self-protection. Armed with the tools to neutralize any threat, readers will blast through the victim mindset and live freer, safer, more peaceful lives.

In order to master Taijiquan you must begin with the most fundamental steps, and systematically work up to the advanced levels, slowly building up your knowledge and technique as you go. This book explains the five levels of Taijiquan from complete beginner to highest level practitioner. Presenting a word for word translation, with commentary, of Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang's original Chinese text, Master Jan Silberstorff provides detailed guidance through each of the five levels. Readers will learn how to assess their current Taiijiquan ability and identify exactly what is needed to reach the next level and ultimately the highest goal - the perfection of Taiji, or reaching a complete state of being. This is an accessible and motivational book for all Taijiquan students and practitioners, as well as anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding of the ancient art of Taijiquan.

The Art of Expressing the Human Body, a title coined by Bruce Lee himself to describe his approach to martial arts, documents the techniques he used so effectively to perfect his body for superior health and muscularity.

Beyond his martial arts and acting abilities, Lee's physical appearance and strength were truly astounding. He achieved this through an intensive and ever-evolving conditioning regime that is being revealed for the first time in this book.

In addition to serving as a record of Bruce Lee's own training, The Art of Expressing the Human Body, with its easy-to-understand and simple-to-follow training routines, is a valuable source book for those who seek dramatic improvement in their health, conditioning, physical fitness, and appearance.

This Bruce Lee Book is part of the Bruce Lee Library which also features:Bruce Lee: Striking ThoughtsBruce Lee: The Celebrated Life of the Golden DragonBruce Lee: The Tao of Gung FuBruce Lee: Artist of LifeBruce Lee: Letters of the DragonBruce Lee: Jeet Kune Do

For centuries, mystery has surrounded the lives of Japan's legendary ninja, the ingenious and deadly spies that were feared and revered by all. More Secrets of the Ninja takes you inside the ninja world to reveal the many facets of their remarkable lives. Packed full of fighting techniques, weaponry, workouts, secret codes and health tips, this full-color factbook provides the would-be ninja with every skill necessary for a life of stealth, secrecy and survival.

All students of kendo--the formal art and practice of Japanese swordsmanship--will welcome this manual by an advanced practitioner with a deep understanding of the martial art. The work begins with a history of kendo in Japan, followed by a study of basic equipment and its proper care and use and a detailed description of forms and rules--essential aspects of any martial art. Beginners will find this section particularly helpful because of the close attention paid to fundamental techniques of kendo, including the rare two-sword form (nito ryu), largely unknown outside of Japan. Each technique is accompanied by clear, easy-to-follow illustrations. The Nihon Kendo Kata and Shiai and Shinpan rules and regulations are useful references for those learning the Kata and participating in matches. The author, who is also a practicing physician, is attentive throughout to injury prevention and safety--concerns often overlooked in martial arts manuals.

The elements of kendo philosophy, which can mystify even experienced practitioners, are explained in simple terms to aid understanding. The manual concludes with biographies of Japan's most celebrated swordsmen, an extensive glossary of kendo terms, and a history of kendo in Hawaii, where it has been practiced for more than a century and where some of the world's top practitioners can be found.

The Power of Shaolin Kung Fu offers readers a comprehensive course in the fundamental movements that have been practiced and perfected by warrior monks for centuries.

It includes instruction in the powerful striking techniques that so often lead to decisive victory in today's mixed martial arts bouts. The book includes 300 color photographs along with detailed textual instructions and training tips.

Shaolin Kung Fu is an indispensable part of every martial artist's repertoire—a vital means to improve your movement, motion, and balance skills and the best way for a mixed martial arts fighter to improve and perfect striking skills.

This informative kung fu book also shares the moral and ethical philosophies that underlie the Jow Ga system. Shaolin Jow Ga Kung Fu is a combination of southern and northern Shaolin techniques—making it by far the most effective in terms of combining blinding speed with devastatingly powerful strikes.

As the son of a California Highway Patrolman who was a contemporary of the slain officers in the famed 1970 Newhall shooting, Michael E. Wood grew up hearing about the event and its influence on the CHP and law enforcement community. That experience led to his authoring Newhall Shooting: A Tactical Analysis, arguably the most thoroughly researched and documented account of the shooting to date. He is a lifelong shooter and student of armed self-defense and a graduate of civilian self-defense training schools, including the Lethal Force Institute and The HALO Group. Wood is a military officer and pilot with 22 years of experience in operational environments, including combat operations, and is accustomed to analyzing events and deriving "lessons learned" for application in training and programs.

In 1882, Kano opened his Kodokan dojo in Tokyo, where he taught jujutsu to his first class of nine students. His choice of the name Kodokan symbolizes precocity in one so young and is highly significant, for it means the institute where one is guided along the road to follow in life, that is to say, a road that one travels as a means of self-cultivation, which Kano regarded as the optimum way to live ones life. This cultivation, however, can only be attained following long years of training made with vigorous exertion in an effort to reach the ultimate goal: self-perfection.

At the age of twenty-four, Kano abruptly gave up the teaching of this ancient and altogether brutal activity and never taught jujutsu again. In his attempt to create for the modern age a non-violent, spiritually inspiring antagonistic art, he carried out research on several styles of jujutsu. Primarily in the interests of both safety and practicality, he altered and added his own devices to the techniques that he was later to incorporate into his newly conceived system of skills, which he named Kodokan judo. In lectures, Kano often stated the following: The ultimate object of studying judo is to train and cultivate body and mind through practice in attack and defense, and by thus mastering the essentials of the art, to attain perfection of oneself and bring benefits to the world. He had sought to create in judo, therefore, something positive out of something largely negative.

In a revolutionary approach, author Sang H. Kim has blended his extensive knowledge of martial art training with modern and classical teaching methodology to create a system of teaching martial arts for the 21st century. This book is filled with practical information to help you lead your students from white belt to black belt and beyond.

Bill Bryson meets Bruce Lee in this raucously funny story of one scrawny American’s quest to become a kung fu master at China’s legendary Shaolin Temple.

Growing up a ninety-pound weakling tormented by bullies in the schoolyards of Kansas, young Matthew Polly dreamed of one day journeying to the Shaolin Temple in China to become the toughest fighter in the world, like Caine in his favorite 1970s TV series, Kung Fu. While in college, Matthew decided the time had come to pursue this quixotic dream before it was too late. Much to the dismay of his parents, he dropped out of Princeton to spend two years training with the legendary sect of monks who invented kung fu and Zen Buddhism.

Expecting to find an isolated citadel populated by supernatural ascetics that he’d seen in countless badly dubbed chop-socky flicks, Matthew instead discovered a tacky tourist trap run by Communist party hacks. But the dedicated monks still trained in the rigorous age-old fighting forms—some even practicing the “iron kung fu” discipline, in which intensive training can make various body parts virtually indestructible (even the crotch). As Matthew grew in his knowledge of China and kung fu skill, he would come to represent the Temple in challenge matches and international competitions, and ultimately the monks would accept their new American initiate as close to one of their own as any Westerner had ever become.

Laced with humor and illuminated by cultural insight, American Shaolin is an unforgettable coming-of-age tale of one young man’s journey into the ancient art of kung fu—and a funny and poignant portrait of a rapidly changing China.

The father of modern hand-to-hand combat, Capt. W. E. Fairbairn, taught the famed British Commandos from this classic, long-out-of-print manual on unarmed combat. Known for his "get tough" attitude, Fairbairn designed these practical methods after years of training troops and watching ruffians, thugs, bandits and bullies. Now you can profit from his experience.

Within the context of a larger discussion of Dao Yin, Damo Mitchell teaches and explains the Dragon Dao Yin exercises, a set of four short sequences designed to work with the subtle energies of the spine and lead pathogenic energies out of the body. More 'Yang' in nature than Qi Gong, Dao Yin focuses on outwards movements and strong internal cleansing. The book highlights this important distinction and covers the theory, history and development of Dao Yin exercises, as well as the relationship between Chinese medical theory and Dao Yin training. One chapter is devoted to problems related to stagnation and the flow of Qi, and explains the different causes and forms of stagnation. Later chapters look at breathing patterns and the extension of Yi, opening the joints, and rotating the bones and spine. Damo Mitchell also discusses stillness as the source of movement, the philosophical significance of the Dragon and the pearl, and the means of hardwiring Dao Yin exercises into the energetic body. Central to the discussion is the concept of the spine, and how to wake it up. For the first time in the English language, the Dragon exercises – Awakening, Swimming, Soaring and Drunken – are described in detail, with photographs and step-by-step instructions on each of the exercises as individual therapeutic exercises and as a form.